Roy Keane will turn his attentions to Plymouth defender Tony Capaldi if he fails to land Phil Bardsley.

The Sunderland boss has already spoken to Manchester United full-back Bardsley about a loan move but the 21-year-old - who is also a target for Aston Villa - is taking his time making a decision.

And Keane has identified Capaldi as the man he wants to bring to Wearside if, as seems increasingly likely, Bardsley opts to stay in the Premiership with Villa.

Sources on the South Coast suggest that Keane has sounded Plymouth out about a bid for Northern Ireland international Capaldi, who is out of contract in June and last month rejected the offer of a new deal with Argyle.

Pilgrims boss Ian Holloway has already admitted he would rather sell the 25-year-old this month than see him leave on a Bosman free transfer in the summer, adding: "We have put in our final offer to him.

"We can't offer the terms he and his agent want but we've gone as far as we can.

"We're trying to offer him a good deal but if we can't match what he wants, he will have to go in the (transfer) window."

Left-back Capaldi, who can also operate on the left side of midfield, has made 26 Championship appearances for Plymouth this season.